Kyoichi’s Unfinished Family Conflict

A Man

Kyoichi Taniguchi’s resentment, responsibility, and attraction to Misuzu complicate his role in searching for his missing brother.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Favored Elder Son The Favored Elder Son from "A Man". Family Roles An inheritance arranged Kyoichi’s parents expect him to inherit the inn, then turn to Daisuké when Kyoichi refuses the role.

The Favored Elder Son from "A Man". Family Roles An inheritance arranged Kyoichi’s parents expect him to inherit the inn, then turn to Daisuké when Kyoichi refuses the role.

Family Roles An inheritance arranged Kyoichi’s parents expect him to inherit the inn, then turn to Daisuké when Kyoichi refuses the role. Unequal expectations Daisuké believes he will carry the business in practice while remaining secondary in title. The brothers’ relationship becomes strained by parental favoritism and resentment.

The Liver Donation Crisis The Liver Donation Crisis from "A Man". A Brother Asked to Give Daisuké’s burden Daisuké is the only suitable living liver donor.

The Liver Donation Crisis from "A Man". A Brother Asked to Give Daisuké’s burden Daisuké is the only suitable living liver donor.

A Brother Asked to Give Daisuké’s burden Daisuké is the only suitable living liver donor. The family wants their father to survive, while Daisuké fears the risks of the operation. A lasting grievance Kyoichi later insists Daisuké volunteered freely. Misuzu recalls that Kyoichi dismissed his fear, a difference that shapes each man’s version of the past.

A Brother at the Door A Brother at the Door from "A Man". The Photograph Dispute A visit to Rié Kyoichi comes to Town S after receiving Rié’s letter and discovers that the man she buried was not his brother.

A Brother at the Door from "A Man". The Photograph Dispute A visit to Rié Kyoichi comes to Town S after receiving Rié’s letter and discovers that the man she buried was not his brother.

The Photograph Dispute A visit to Rié Kyoichi comes to Town S after receiving Rié’s letter and discovers that the man she buried was not his brother. Suspicion takes over His shock turns quickly into talk of fraud and possible murder. Rié is left frightened and unsure who her husband had been.

Searching Without Getting Close

A Brother’s Disappearance A lead in Osaka Kyoichi visits Daisuké’s former building and learns that a man resembling the real Daisuké once lived there. A guarded motive Although he accuses the police of inaction, Kyoichi avoids deeper involvement and is also drawn to Misuzu under the pretext of searching.

Rejecting the Family Reunion Rejecting the Family Reunion from "A Man". Daisuké’s Boundary A refusal remains Kido finds Daisuké alive, but he insists he will never return to the Taniguchi family.

Rejecting the Family Reunion from "A Man". Daisuké’s Boundary A refusal remains Kido finds Daisuké alive, but he insists he will never return to the Taniguchi family.

Daisuké’s Boundary A refusal remains Kido finds Daisuké alive, but he insists he will never return to the Taniguchi family. The cost of estrangement Kyoichi’s wish to locate his brother does not become reconciliation. Their family history remains unresolved despite the truth finally being known.

Before Daisuké leaves Gunma

When their father develops cancer

One year after X’s death

2013

March 2014